[en] Purpose: The key aim of this research was to develop an objective, accurate assessment tool with which to provide regular measurement and monitoring of image interpretation performance. The tool was a specially developed software program (RadBench) by which to objectively measure image interpretation performance en masse and identify development needs. Method: Two test banks were generated (Test 1 & Test 2), each containing twenty appendicular musculoskeletal images, half were normal, half contained fractures. All images were double reported by radiologists and anonymised. A study (n = 42) was carried out within one calendar month to test the method and analysis approach. The participants included general radiographers (34), reporting radiographers (3), radiologists (2) (all from one UK NHS Trust) and medical imaging academics (3). Results: The RadBench software generated calculations of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in addition to a decision making map for each respondent. Early findings highlighted a 5% mean difference between image banks, confirming that benchmarking must be related to a specific test. The benchmarking option within the software enabled the user to compare their score with the highest, lowest and mean score of others who had taken the same test. Reporting radiographers and radiologists all scored 95% or above accuracy in both tests. The general radiographer population scored between 60 and 95%. Conclusions: The evidence from this research indicates that the Radbench tool is capable of providing benchmark measures of image interpretation accuracy, with the potential for comparison across populations. - Highlights: • RadBench software provides the opportunity to assess image interpretation skills en masse and across different populations. • RadBench provides an independent objective assessment tool. • Identifying image interpretation training needs provides focus and increased return on investment. • RadBench has the potential to help underpin the developing role of Radiographers within healthcare.

[en] The results of two techniques to extract the strong coupling constant, α_s, are reviewed for the LEP experiments. In the first, scaling violations in the scaled momentum distributions of charged particles at LEP and at lower energy experiments are employed. In the second, QCD corrections to the ratio of hadronic to leptonic decay rates of the tau lepton, R_τ, determine α_s and, using moments of the invariant mass distribution in hadronic tau decays, the nonperturbative corrections to R_τ. (author)

[en] The term post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is used to describe the psychological issues resulting from any traumatic event. An individual's ability to function is impaired by experiencing emotional responses to a traumatic event. Forensic radiographers need to be aware of the potential debilitating effects of this condition and those writing forensic protocols must take the condition into account and build in safeguards and welfare strategies. This narrative review looks at the origins of the term PTSD and highlights those who may be at increased risk of developing the condition including, in particular, forensic radiographers involved in mass fatality work. Signs, symptoms and possible treatments are also reviewed. - Highlights: • Presents a summary of PTSD for those working in forensic radiography. • Outlines signs & symptoms of PTSD. • Discusses treatment & prognosis of PTSD. • Suggests ways of managing factors which may predispose to PTSD.

[en] Purpose: Universities need to deliver educational programmes that create radiography graduates who are ready and able to participate in abnormality detection schemes, ultimately delivering safe and reliable performance because junior doctors are exposed to the risk of misdiagnosis if unsupported by other healthcare professionals. Radiographers are ideally suited to this role having the responsibility for conducting the actual X-ray examination. Method: The image interpretation performance of one cohort of student radiographers was measured upon enrolment from UCAS in the first week of university education and then again prior to graduation using RadBench (n = 23). Results: The results identified that novices have a range of natural image interpretation skills; accuracy 35–85%, sensitivity 45–100%, specificity 15–85%, mean ROC 0.691. Graduates presented a narrower range; accuracy 60–90%, sensitivity 40–100%, specificity 60–90%, mean ROC 0.841. The positive shift in graduate mean accuracy (+16%) was driven by increases in specificity (+27%) rather than sensitivity (+5%). No statistically significant differences (ANOVA) could be found between age group, gender and previous education however trends were identified. 56.5% of the population (n = 13) met a benchmark accurate standard of 80%, including one graduate who met 90%. Conclusion: Image interpretation testing at the point of UCAS entry is a useful indicator of future performance and is a recommended factor for consideration as part of the selection process. Whilst image interpretation now forms an integral part of undergraduate radiography programmes, new graduates may not necessary possess the reliability in decision making to justify participation in abnormality detection schemes, highlighting the need for continuous professional development. - Highlights: • Some novices appear to have inherent skills in fracture identification. • RadBench testing as part of the UCAS selection process provides a useful indication of future performance. • Increase in specificity is the primary gain of university education in increasing accuracy. • Radiography graduates may require further education in order to deliver reliable image interpretation decisions.

[en] Kagome antiferromagnets (KAFMs) have long been known to host exotic electronic states due to their strong geometric frustration, including the quantum spin liquid state in $S=\frac{1}{2}$ systems. Away from that limit, S  =  1 KAFMs are also predicted to host unconventional ground states such as spin nematic phases, but a paucity of studies on known model materials has restricted progress.

Here, we present the crystal structure and preliminary magnetization measurements on the newly synthesized S  =  1 KAFM, NH₄Ni_2.5V₂O₇(OH)${}_2\cdot <!--\; ???\; -->$H₂O, which has the three-fold symmetry of the kagome lattice but significant site depletion, with  ∼$77\mathrm{\%<!--\; \%\; -->}$ site occupancy. Bulk magnetic data show clear evidence of frustration and competition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions. We propose that the magnetic Hamiltonian is frustrated and that anisotropic terms cause the formation of an unconventional ground state. (paper)

[en] Child physical abuse is intentionally inflicted injury of a child and presents a challenging diagnosis to clinicians mostly as a result of doubts about whether the findings were perpetrated by carers of these children. Suspected child physical abuse cannot be reported without its initial identification, substantiation and reporting. Imaging findings is one way of providing evidence of abuse in court.